Presentation Information
[O-12-06]Cultural Belonging and Migrant Well-Being: Rethinking Urban Spaces for Mental Health
*Gesa Solveig Duden (Concordia University, Montréal(Canada))
Keywords:
mental health,migration,urban spaces,cities,cultural belonging
With over half of the global population living in urban areas - a figure projected to reach 70% by 2050 – understanding the mental health impacts of city life has become increasingly urgent. Urban environments have been linked to elevated rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among migrants, who face added stressors such as social isolation, cultural displacement, and reduced access to support systems. This study investigated how urban contexts can be leveraged to support mental health and well-being among migrants, shifting the focus from risks to protective environmental and social factors.The research employed a cross-country, mixed-methods design. Qualitative go-along interviews were conducted with Brazilian migrants in Berlin and Montréal to explore how they experience their mental health in urban spaces. These insights were complemented by Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) data from diverse migrant populations across multiple German cities, capturing moment-to-moment variations in emotional well-being and perceptions of their surroundings.Preliminary findings highlighted the importance of blue-green spaces – such as parks, riversides, and urban forests – not only for mental health but also for fostering a sense of belonging. Urban environments that were culturally inclusive and allowed for diversity in aesthetics, usage, and social interactions were particularly beneficial. Moreover, spaces that enabled low-intensity social contact – such as weak ties, nodding encounters, and casual interactions with strangers – emerged as important for reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing well-being.These findings offer concrete implications for urban design, mental health interventions, and migration policy. By identifying features of urban environments that support migrant mental health, the project contributes to developing more inclusive and psychologically supportive cities. In the context of ongoing global migration, post-pandemic mental health concerns, and evolving urban landscapes, the study provides timely evidence to inform future planning and policy.